Toyota’s small car concept, Etios has been showcased at the Auto Expo in Delhi and it is expected to be 90 percent true to the production version that will go on sale in end-2010.
Based on a completely new platform, the Etios will be offered with two engine options - 1.2-litre and 1.5-litre DOHC 16-valve petrol engines. Plans for diesel motor are on hold and the buyers will only have the choice of petrol engines initially.
On the outside, the Etios has sharp styling cues with a big smiling grille that has been high-mounted especially for India. The car has a strong shoulder line with an upward cut along the bottom of the door.
Interiors on the Etios are quite contemporary and the Etios sports a centrally mounted instrument panel with offset AC vents. Etios offers more space on the inside with roomy interiors as compared to its direct competition, the Swift.
Toyota is looking for a production volume of 70,000 units in the first year with a gradual increase in volumes from there on.
Toyota has showcased both the hatch and notchback body styles at the Expo but when the car is ready for production it will be the notchback that will be launched first, followed three months later by the hatch. Toyota wants a gradual ramp-up in production to ensure that there is no compromise on its quality and hence wants the hatch, which will sell in larger volumes, to come later.
India will be the lead plant in the world for the Etios followed by Brazil, thereby further consolidating India as a global hub for small cars.
Uday Singh
Suraj Viswanathan
Dipan Sur
Lenny D'sa
Ameya Dandekar
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